Top things to see and do in Lake Tahoe

Hoping to explore the US sometime soon? A holiday in Lake Tahoe is a great way to see the greener side of the country and is an especially good choice if you’re into outdoor activities, thanks to the massive range on offer. We’ve put together a quick guide to some of the best things you can see and do here; read on to get a little inspiration for your holiday!

All about Lake Tahoe

Straddling the states of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a vast area that’s famous for the activities it offers. As it is the second deepest lake in the US, it probably won’t come as a shock to hear that water sports are an ever-popular choice, but there’s an awful lot else to do besides – everything from hiking to ice skating, in fact.

Summer

What exactly you do at Lake Tahoe is going to be pretty dependent on the season. When it’s warm and dry, there is a lot of scope for things like running, fishing, kayaking, boating – I could go on and on. I think one of the best things to do in the spring or summer, though, is definitely walking.

Ok, so at first it doesn’t exactly sound like the most dazzling of activities, and if you’re into your adventure sports maybe it won’t be for you. But, it’s undoubtedly a brilliant way to explore any new place, and when it comes to somewhere as scenic as Lake Tahoe, there’s arguably no better way to get around.

If you’re looking for a fairly simple stroll, the Rubicon Trail should fit the bill (and is also suitable for families, in case you’re travelling with the kids). If, however, you’re a really keen hiker, you’re pretty likely to want something just a bit more challenging. In that case, the Tahoe Rim Trail fits the bill.

At 165 miles long, it’s absolutely massive and goes through both Nevada and California. It runs from one peak to the next around Lake Tahoe, and you can either dedicate a sizeable chunk (or all!) of your holiday to following it in its entirety, or you can just pick a section to work through at your own pace.

You can also go horse riding and cycle along some of the area’s extensive network of trails, but if you’re hoping to make the most of the scenery and the weather, it’s well worth spending some time out on the water. Lake Tahoe is crystal clear and gorgeous, but it’s much more than simply a nice bit of scenery, since it offers a staggering range of water sports. Wakeboarding, kayaking and sailing are just a handful of the things you can do here, and you can even treat yourself to a gentle cruise if you fancy unwinding a little.

Winter

If you’re planning on travelling during the winter, there’s still plenty to do in Lake Tahoe. In fact, it’s a real haven for snow sports fans, thanks to the fact there are several ski and snowboard resorts to choose from. Ski Heavenly, for example, is situated on Mount Heavenly and offers snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, ice skating and even balloon rides, in addition to the usual on-piste skiing.

An added bonus of travelling during winter is the scenery, which looks amazingly tranquil in the snow. This is a great time to take the Lake Tahoe Gondola up Mount Heavenly, because then you get some seriously stunning views of the lake in the crisp winter landscape.